I believe that an epitaph is needed for the passing of a
Wales Landmark, The Lakeland Beach Club’s historic
clubhouse where so many memories were created and
enjoyed. This building was erected in 1947 by many
people mostly members who donated their time and
effort to build a place where their families and the
members could gather and celebrate being alive.
There are still members alive who participated in
the “club raising” (barn raising) and who remember
the joy that this building brought to its members.
There were dances held as well as fund raisers,
there was and still is a speaker on the only tree on
the beach that was hooked up to the music source
in the club house so the music could be enjoyed by
all, even those on the beach. Of course, the speaker
is no longer in service and has not been in years but
it is there as a reminder of the “good old days”.
Many a barbecue was enjoyed by all as well as
protection from the elements. Members could
rent the building for a minimal fee for parties,
weddings, showers and all reasons for celebrations,
thus being ensured that regardless of weather the
occasion could still be held. It, the clubhouse, held
many joyful memories of the sharing of summer fun,
the laughter of adults and the giggling and noise of
its youngest members.
The beach is called Brow’s Beach after it’s original
owners, the Brow’s. I happen to own the home that
replaced the original one where The Brow’s would
sell hot dogs and hamburgs and whatever you needed
for a successful outing. My home is nowhere like the
original one as it is a 5 room modular home with no
amenities like what used to be offered.
The Brow’s also owned cottages here which now have
been converted to homes, 3 year rounders and 3 weekend
and summer homes. Mine is the only one that did not
upgrade from a cottage as it is only 18 years old and
is the only one without a fireplace. Being a next door
neighbor of the Beach Club has brought me an
opportunity to meet many members and to interact
with them in a more personal way. I so enjoy the
laughter of the children as they play in the water
and create castles in the sand. For most of the year
it is quiet and very few members come down so it
is like having the beach and lake to myself for
9 months of the year.
Having such a close proximity to the Beach Club gave
me a different view of its value and what it offered to its
members. I, for one, cried as it was demolished on
June 8, 2011. After the roof caved in because of the
weight of this past winter’s snowfall, it has been a
safety hazard especially to the children who have no
fear and do not recognize the danger it presented to them.
It was like a house of cards that kept settling and just
one movement caused it to collapse on top of itself.
The Club’s board and its members worked diligently to
find a construction company to tear it down and also
to find the money necessary to pay the cost. We are
a small membership, only 40 paying members and
without the means to fully fund such a venture although
a necessity. The insurance was lapsed quite a few years
ago and no insurance company was able to offer us the
reasonable cost we had before. All insurance companies
wanted a substantial increase because of the age of the
building.
I want to publicly thank the Lake George Association for
the substantial donation it gave to us. Not only was this
a boost to our fund but it gave all of us members a big
boost to our hearts. Since Lakeland Beach Club is
self sustaining with such a small membership, it was voted
that members will pay a small extra fee with the annual
membership dues for just two years in order to cover the
expenses. This was voted on at a meeting which was well
attended. In fact, Terry O’Keefe attended the meeting so
he could speak to us personally.
The Terry O’Keefe Construction company won the bid
and proceeded quickly to ease our fears by taking down
the Wales Landmark. I must say that as I saw through my
tears his men working so diligently to save whatever they
could, it lightened up my heart.They were able to
salvage some chairs, tables, lights. It was a sensitive
procedure to demolish as there were about 8 propane
tanks but all were managed to be taken out safely so
no explosions occurred.
They were not able to save the buoys that surround
and protect the raft and swimming area of our children
due to the entanglement of the ropes but they were able
to save the ladder that goes on the raft. Now our children
will be able to have their beloved raft put out for them
to swim to and jump off from. We are working on
coming up with a solution to replace the buoys.
All donations would be welcome as all of our finances are
going to pay for the removal of the clubhouse. We are
not sure if there will be enough left to pay for rototilling,
more sand for the beach or rocks for the launch pad.
If you would like to donate, send a check to:
Lakeland Beach Club
PO Box 55
Wales, Ma 01081
or contact me, Mary Grace
413-245-3977
[email protected]
We have seen much destruction between the tornadoes,
the violent storms and then the removal of our beloved
clubhouse but I for one still admire Mother Nature and
all she had to offer us. As a reminder of the beauty
she offers us, I want to add a link here to some
of the most beautiful pictures I have even seen of what
nature CAN create. This makes me feel quite small in
comparison and yet nature was created for us humans
to enjoy.
Simply gorgeous!
This may be one of the most beautiful and meaningful streaming videos ever created. Be sure your speakers are on.
www.andiesisle.com/creation/ magnificent.html
I will be a speaker at the Boston Yoga
and Chant Fest next weekend in
Marlborough and will also have a
booth offering Love Sessions
with the Mother as well as my book,
The Wounded Chalice in both audio
book form and paperback. If you
are in the area it would be nice to
see you again. The link to see all
that will be offered on this fabulous
weekend is: www.shunyamproductions.com
Love and Light
Mary Grace
www.TheWoundedChalice.com
www.TheWoundedChalice.com/blog
[email protected]
PO Box 403
Wales, MA 01081, USA
413-245-3977